Bag

ABSTRACT

Embodiments described herein comprise a first bag for coupling to a second bag. The bags may include a bridge strap configured to adjustably couple the bags together. The bags may include one or more side pockets. The side pockets may be located on an exterior of the sides of the bags. The side pockets are configured to secure an elongated object, such as a fishing rod, to the bags. The bags may be coupled to a transport device using the bridge straps. The bags are configured to be transported on the transport device.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments of the inventive subject matter generally relate to thefield of bags, and more particularly, to bags for personal storage thatmay be coupled together by a strap and carried on a transport device.

Bags are often used to carry personal items within the bag from oneplace to another. The user may place several items in the bag and easilycarry the bag with them from one location to another. Bags may becarried by a user using a handle, or a strap for securing the bag to theuser. For example, a student may place books, pencils, notepads and asnack in a backpack. The student may then wear the backpack on theirback and walk from class to class. Further, saddlebags are two bags thatare joined together and placed on each side of a horse. The saddlebagsallow a horse rider to place personal items in the saddlebags whileriding the horse.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention include

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present embodiments may be better understood, and numerous objects,features, and advantages made apparent to those skilled in the art byreferencing the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 depicts a diagram illustrating a perspective view of two bagscoupled together.

FIG. 2 depicts a diagram illustrating a bottom view of two bags coupledtogether.

FIG. 3 depicts a diagram illustrating a perspective view of two bagsuncoupled.

FIG. 4 depicts a diagram illustrating a top view of two bags coupledtogether.

FIG. 4A depicts a diagram illustrating a cord assembly.

FIG. 5A depicts a diagram illustrating a side view of two bags uncoupledand over an object.

FIG. 5B depicts a diagram illustrating a side view of two bags coupledtogether and attached to an object.

FIG. 6 depicts a diagram illustrating a perspective view of a bag withan elongated object in a side pocket.

FIG. 7 depicts a diagram illustrating a perspective view of a bag.

FIG. 8 depicts a diagram illustrating a perspective view of a bag.

FIG. 9 depicts a diagram illustrating a top view of an interior of abag.

FIG. 10 depicts a diagram illustrating a perspective view of an openbag.

FIG. 11A depicts a diagram illustrating a view of a plurality of panels.

FIG. 11B depicts a diagram illustrating a cross-section of a panel.

FIG. 12 depicts a diagram illustrating a perspective view of an openbag.

FIG. 13 depicts a diagram illustrating a top view of an interior of abag.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

The description that follows includes exemplary apparatus, methods,techniques, and instruction sequences that embody techniques of thepresent inventive subject matter. However, it is understood that thedescribed embodiments may be practiced without these specific details.

Embodiments described herein comprise an apparatus and method forcarrying one or more items in a bag. In some embodiments, the bag may becoupled to a second bag by a bridge strap located on one or both of thebags. The bridge strap allows the bags to be coupled to one another in amanner that when joined allows a user to hang the bags on a transportdevice. For example, the user may couple the bridge straps together andhang the bags over the seat of a personal water craft, a horse, and/or amotor cycle. The bridge straps couple to one another in a manner thatallows the user to adjust the length between the bags when they arecoupled together. Therefore, the user may size the bridge strap so thatthe bags easily secure to the width of the user's motorcycle seat. Theuser may then drive the motorcycle to a location where a personal watercraft is located. The user may then take the bags off of the motorcycleand adjust the bridge strap to a size that allows the bags to secure tothe width of the seat of the personal watercraft. One or more of thebags may include a side pocket adapted to hold and secure an elongatedobject. The user may place the elongated object, for example a fishingpole, in the side pocket and carry the elongated object in the pocket toa fishing location on the transport device(s). The side pocket may havefeatures adapted to secure the elongated object to the bag for example apocket strap and a smaller bottom opening to the pocket. One or more ofthe bags may include an insulating container, or cooler, within the bag.The insulating container allows the user to store items in the bag whilemaintaining the temperature of the items in the bag. For example, theuser may place a lunch and beverages in one of the bags and ice in theother bag. The user may then place any fish caught in the bag with theice. The insulating containers will allow the lunch, the beverages andthe fish to stay fresh, or be preserved during the day.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of two bags 100 coupled together byone or more bridge straps 102. The bags 100 may be substantiallysimilar, as shown, or may have features that are unique to each bag 100.One of the bags 100 will be described in detail herein; however, itshould be appreciated that each of the bags 100 may have any of thefeatures, or combination of features described herein. The bag 100 mayhave the bridge strap 102, a top 104, a plurality of sides 106, and abottom 200 shown in FIG. 2, which surrounds an interior of the bag 100.The bag 100 may further include a side pocket 108, a pocket strap 110,one or more handles 112, and one or more engagement members 114.

The sides 106 of the bag may couple to the bottom 200 and form aperimeter around an interior of the bag 100. The connection between eachof the sides and the bottom 200 may be formed by stitching, although itshould be appreciated that any suitable connection, or combinationthereof, may be used to join the panels of the bag 100 togetherincluding, but not limited to, forming connection by bending or crimpingone continuous panel, gluing, welding, vinyl welding, buttoning,zipping, tying, Velcro®, hook and loop connectors, rivets, Chicagoscrews, twist latches, and the like. As shown, there are four sides 106on the bag 100, although it should be appreciated that there may be anysuitable number of sides 106 depending on the shape the user wants thebag 100 to take including, but not limited to, one continuously curvedside. FIG. 1 shows the bag as having two long sides on the front andback of the bag 100 and two shorter sides on each side of the bag 100.Thus, from a top view of the bag 100 the two short sides and two longsides form a rectangular shaped perimeter around the interior of the bag100.

The bottom 200 of the bag 100 may couple to the sides 106 around theentire perimeter of the sides 106. The connection between the bottom 200and any of the sides 106 may be any connection, or combination ofconnections described herein. The bottom 200 may provide a foundation tothe bag 100 capable of supporting one or more items in the interior ofthe bag 100. As items are placed on the bottom 200 of the bag 100 withthe bag 100 off of the ground, the bottom 200 supports the weight of theitems and transfers the load from the items to one or more of the sides106 of the bag 100. Thus, the bottom 200 and the connection between thebottom 200 and the sides 106 of the bag 100 are strong enough to supportthe weight of the items. Although described as the bottom 200 beingjoined along the entire length of the sides 106 it should be appreciatedthat so long as the bottom 200 is capable of supporting the items in thebag 100 the bottom 200 may not be joined to the entire perimeter. Insome embodiments, the bottom 200 will have the same shape as theperimeter of the sides 106. For example, the bottom 200 of the bag 100shown in FIG. 1 has a rectangular shape. The bottom 200 may furtherprovide a surface capable of supporting the bag 100 when the bag 100 isresting on the ground or other surface. To this effect, the bottom 200of the bag 100 may be placed on the ground and the bottom 200 willremain substantially flat on the ground while the bag 100 sits upright.

The top 104 may couple to one or more of the sides 106 in a manner thatsubstantially covers the area formed by the perimeter of the sides 106.To this end the top 104 may be any shape so long as the topsubstantially covers the perimeter of the bag 100. The top 104 mayinclude or form one or more flaps 116 for opening and closing access tothe interior of the bag 100 and/or securing the top 104 to the sides106. As shown in FIG. 1, the entire top 104 forms the flap 116 which isjoined to the back side of the bag 100 using any of the connectionsdescribed herein. The flap 116 may pivot about the connection with theback side in a similar manner to a hinged connection. In a closedposition, as shown in FIG. 1, the flap 116 covers an opening to theinterior of the bag 100. To access the interior of the bag 100, the usermoves the flap 116 in a manner that removes at least a portion of theflap 116 from the opening. To this effect the user may pivot the entireflap 116 about the connection from a closed position to an openposition. Although being described as the entire top 104 being the flap116, it should be appreciated that the flap 116 to access the interiormay be a smaller flap (not shown) which is located on the top 104.Further, the top 104 may be a flap that allows access to the entireopening and the top 104 may have a smaller flap that allows the user toaccess the interior of the bag 100 without removing the entire top 104.

The top 104 and/or the flap 116 may include one or more side flaps 118.The side flaps 118 may extend beyond the top and down a portion of thesides 106 of the bag 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the side flap 118 in thefront of the bag 100 extends about half way down the side 106 of the bag100. The side flap 118 on the side of the bag 100 is shown to extendonly a small distance down the side of the bag 100. It should beappreciated that the side flaps 118 may extend any distance down thesides 106 of the bag 100 depending on the needs of the user. Thus, theside flaps 118 may extend the entire length of the side 106, stop at thetop side of the bag 100, or extend any distance in between. The sideflaps 118, and/or the side 106 the side flap engages may include asecuring device for removably coupling the side flap 118 to the side106. The securing device may be any suitable releasable andre-connectable securing device including, but not limited to, Velcro®,hook and loop connectors, one or more buttons, one or more snaps, one ormore zip-locks, one or more ties, one or more clasps, one or morezippers, one or more grommets, one or more buckles, one or moreinterlocking buckles, one or more side release buckles, one or more toprelease buckles, one or more bottom release buckles, one or more twistlock, one or more twist latches, one or more trigger snaps, one or moremagnets, one or more hinged rings, one or more carabiners, one or moreS-hooks, one or more cord assemblies, one or more latches, one or morehooks, one or more cords with a hook and the like.

Although the top 104 is described as having one or more flaps 116 toallow access to the interior of the bag 100, it should be appreciatedthat any of the sides 106, and/or bottom 200 may include a flap (notshown) alternatively to, or in addition to the top 104.

Any of the top 104, the sides 106, the flaps 116 and the bottom 200 mayfurther include any number of interior pockets 122. The interior pocket122 is a pocket that is accessed from the exterior of the bag 100 butholds contents inside the panel it is attached to, for example a side106 of the bag 100. The interior pocket 122 shown in FIG. 3, has apocket flap 124 for covering an opening to the interior pocket 122. Theopening of the interior pocket 122 may be an opening, or have a securingdevice for coupling the interior pocket in a closed position. Thesecuring device may be any securing device described herein.

The bridge strap 102 may be used to couple the bags 100 togetheraccording to some embodiments described herein. Each of the bags 100 mayinclude the bridge strap 102 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. When the bags100 are coupled together using the bridge straps 102, the user maysecure, and/or hang, the bags 100 over an object. Thus, each of the bags100 may hang from the coupled bridge straps 102 on each side of theobject. The bridge straps 102 are configured to allow the user to adjusta width W, shown in FIG. 2, between the bags 100 when the bags 100 arecoupled together. Thus, the user may measure the size on the object thencouple the bags 100 together the width W apart that corresponds with thewidth of the object. The user may later take the bags 100 off of theobject and adjust the width W to a suitable distance for a secondobject.

In order to adjust the width W between the bags 100 when coupledtogether, each of the bridge straps 102 may have a bridge strapconnector 300, shown in FIG. 3, for coupling the bridge straps 102together. The bridge strap connectors 300, as shown, are a Velcro®, orhook and loop type connector that has the loops located on a bridgestrap top 302 of a first bag and the hooks located on a bridge strapbottom 304 of a second bag. Thus, when the bridge strap 102 are coupledtogether using the bridge strap connectors 300 the bridge strapconnectors 300 may not be visible from the top of the bottom of the bags100. The length and width of the bridge strap connectors 300 may varydepending on the needs of the user. The longer and wider the bridgestrap connectors 300 are the less likely the connectors 300 are toaccidentally come undone during use. In one embodiment, the connector300 is about eight inches long and two inches wide; however it should beappreciated that any suitable length, width and shape may be used.Although described as the loops being located on the bridge strap top302 and the hooks being located on the bridge strap bottom 304 it shouldbe appreciated that any combination of locations may be used, includinglocating the hooks and loops on both sides of each bridge strap 102thereby making each of the bags 100 compatible with any of the bags 100.Although the bridge strap connector 300 is described as being a Velcro®system, it should be appreciated that any number of devices orcombination of devices may be used as the bridge strap connectors 300including, but not limited to, buttons, snaps, ties, buckles, zippers,hooks, carabiners, magnets, belt and buckle assemblies, ladder locks,tri-glides, any of the securing devices described herein and the like.

As shown in FIG. 2, the bridge straps 102 are shaped to be wide at a bagend 202 of the bridge strap 102 and narrow at a terminal end 204 of thebridge strap 102. As shown, the bag end 202 of the bridge strap 102 hasthe same width as the side 106 the bridge strap 102 is coupled to. Thisallows the connection between the bag 100 and the bridge strap 102 to bemaximized thereby making the connection robust. As shown, the bridgestrap 102 is constructed of the material from the top 104 and the side106, the bridge strap 102 is connected to. Thus, the bridge strap 102may be constructed of one continuous piece of the top 104 and/or theside 106. The material may be coupled together at a bridge strapperimeter 206 by any suitable method of connection. Further, it shouldbe appreciated that the bridge strap 102 may be a separate item that isconnected to the bag 100 at any suitable location. The connectionbetween the bridge strap 102 and the bag 100 may be any suitableconnection described herein. The bridge strap 102 as shown narrows as itmoves away from the bag 100 toward the terminal end 204. The narrowingof the bridge strap 204 allows the manufacturer of the bag 100 to saveon material used for the bag 100. Further, the narrowing of the bridgestrap 102 allows the user to support the bags 100 on an object that mayhave a narrow width, for example a shoulder of the user. Althoughdescribed as the bridge strap 102 narrowing as it approaches theterminal end 204 of the strap, it should be appreciated that anysuitable configuration of the bridge strap 102 may be used including,but not limited to, a square strap, a rectangular strap, a triangularstrap, a belt type strap, a single cord strap, a plurality of cords, asingle rope, a plurality of ropes, and the like.

In an additional or alternative embodiment, only one of the bags 100 mayinclude a bridge strap 102. In this embodiment, the bridge strap 102 maycouple directly to the bridge strap connector 300 located on the otherbag 100, or loop through an engagement member on the other bag 100.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the bridge strap 102 may be onebridge strap 102 integrally coupled to both of the bags 102. In thisembodiment, the bridge strap 102 may be a continuous piece of materialextending from the top of the first bag 100 to the top 104 of the secondbag 100. The bridge strap 102 may further include a continuous piece ofmaterial extending from a side 106 of the bags 100.

In addition or alternative to the bridge strap connectors 300, there maybe one or more safety coupling assembly 400, shown in FIG. 4, forensuring that the bridge straps 102 do not accidentally disengage duringuse. The safety coupling assembly 400, as shown, includes one or morerings 402, a cord 404, a clasp 406, one or more apertures 408 and alatching device 410 in the bridge strap 102. The cord 404 may penetrateone of the apertures 408 and have the latching device 410 on one end andthe clasp 406 on the other. The clasp 406 and the latching device 410may be designed so that they will not pass through the aperture 408,thereby preventing the cord 404 from disengaging the aperture 408 andbridge strap 102 the cord 404 penetrates. The clasp 406 may be anymember that prevents the cord 404 from traveling through the aperture408 and engages the cord 404 including, but not limited to, a cord lock,a wheel lock, a set screw, a knot, and the like. In one embodiment, theclasp 406 is an adjustable clasp that allows the user to shorten andlengthen the cord 404. The cord 404 may be any suitable cord including,but not limited to, a shock cord, a wire, woven wire, a string, a rope,a bungee cord, and the like.

The latching device 410 may be any suitable latching device for engagingthe rings 402 or apertures 408. As shown, the latching device 410 is ahook; however, it should be appreciated that the latching device 410 maybe any suitable latching device including, but not limited to, a ring, ahinged ring, a key ring, a magnet, an interlocking buckle, a snap hook,a cord hook, the cord assembly, a tie, a strap, a buckle, a carabiner,any of the securing devices and the like. The aperture(s) 408 may bereinforced with a reinforcing device 412 to increase the robustness ofthe aperture 408. The reinforcing device 412 may be any suitablereinforcing device including, but not limited to, a metal ring, agrommet, an eyelet, a stitched hole, piping, button holes, a plasticring, a canvas ring, a ceramic ring, and the like. The rings 402, asshown, are D-rings coupled to the bridge strap 102 by a canvasconnector. The canvas connector for coupling the D-ring to the bridgestrap 102, or the bag 100, may be any suitable coupling device. Therings 402 may be any suitable device for hooking the cord to the ring402 including, but not limited to, a ring, a hook, a clasp, an apertureand the like.

FIG. 4A shows a cord assembly 420 according to one embodiment. The cordassembly 420 includes two shaped clasps 422 configured to engage thecord 404 and any of the rings 402 and/or engagement members describedherein. The shaped clasps 422, as shown, include two cord profiles 424which are adapted to hold the cord 404, and/or the ring 402 in theprofile. The shaped clasp 422 may further have an entry point 426 whichallows the ring 402 and/or the cord to enter and secured to the cordprofile 424. The entry point 426 may be designed to allow the cord 404and/or ring 402 to enter the interior of the shaped clasp 422 easily butresist allowing the cord 404 and/or ring 402 to release from the cordassembly 402. The cord assembly 420 may further include the latchingdevice 410 and a stop member 428. The stop member 428 may be anysuitable member that attaches to the cord 404 and prevents the cord 404from passing through the shaped clasp 422 including but not limited to,any of the latching devices, any of the clasps 406, and the like. To usethe cord assembly 420, the user places a portion of the cord 404 in thecord profile 424B of the first shaped clasp 422A. The cord 404 may havetwo free ends in this arrangement. The user may then place a portion ofeach of the free ends of the cord 404 in the cord profiles 424A and 424Bof the second shaped clasp 424B. The user may adjust the distance thesecond shaped clasp 422B is from the first shaped clasp 422A therebychanged the size of a loop 428 formed between the shaped clasps 422A,422B and the cord 404. The user may then attach the latching device 410and the stop member 428 to the terminal ends of the cord 404. The usermay then hook the free cord profile 424A to any of the engagementmembers described herein.

The safety coupling assembly 400 is a safety measure to ensure the bags100 do not inadvertently disconnect during use. Thus, the connector 300of the bridge straps 102 are coupled to one another at the appropriatewidth W. The user may then adjust the length of the cord 404 byadjusting the clasp 406 in order to make the length of the cordcorrespond with the width W. The user may then secure the latchingdevice 410 of one of the bridge straps 102 to the ring 402 of the otherbridge strap 102. When the user wants to uncouple the bridge straps 102,the user disconnects the safety coupling assembly 400 then disconnectsthe bridge strap connector 300. There may be multiple safety couplingassemblies 400, or multiple components of the safety coupling assembly400 attached to each of the bags 100. Although the safety couplingassembly 400 is described as including the rings 402, the cord 404, theclasp 406, the aperture(s) 408 and the latching device 410 it should beappreciated that any suitable safety coupling assembly 400 may be usedincluding, but not limited to, a cord, a cord with two hooks forcoupling to any number of rings, a tie, a rope, a bungee cord, and thelike. Further, the aperture 408 may not be necessary so long as the cord404 couples to each of the bags in some manner.

FIG. 5A depicts the bags 100 uncoupled with the bridge straps 102proximate an object 500. The object 500 has a width W. The user maycouple the bridge straps 102 together in a manner that makes thedistance between the bags 100 correspond with the width W, as shown inFIG. 5B. The user may then place the bridge straps 102 on the object 500and hang the bags 100 on opposing sides of the object 500. Gravity willkeep the bags from falling off of the object 500; however, the user mayfurther secure the bags to the object 500.

The user may use a system similar to the safety coupling system 400, orany of the components of the safety coupling assembly 400, to attach thebags 100 to the object 500. Further, there may be one or more engagementmembers 502 (shown schematically) coupled to the bridge strap 102, thetop 104, the sides 106, and/or the bottom of the bag 100. The engagementmembers 502 may be any suitable devices and/or combination of devicesthat allow the user to couple the engagement members 502 to one anotherincluding, but not limited to, a ring, a clamp, a tie, an interlockingbuckle, a side release buckle, a top release buckle, a bottom releasebuckle, the cord assembly 420, any of the securing devices, any of thelatching devices 410, a button, Velcro®, a buckle, a carabiner, and thelike. The engagement members 502 may be adapted to couple directly to acorresponding engagement member 502. As shown in FIG. 5B, the engagementmembers 502 of each of the bags 100 may couple to a strap 504. The strap504 may then be secured around the bottom of the object 500 in order toprevent the bags 100 from disengaging the object 500. It should beappreciated that the strap may secure around, through and/or to theobject 500. There may be one or more strap hooks 510 coupled to thestrap 504 for engaging any portion of the object. The strap hooks 510are shown as hooks for engaging the object; however, it should beappreciated that the strap hooks 510 may be any suitable deviceincluding, but not limited to, the latching device 410, the cordassembly 420, the securing device, the engagement members, and the like.

Further, the strap may be any suitable device for coupling the bags 100to one another, or to the object 500 including, but not limited to, acord, a rope, the cord assembly, a belt, and the like.

The object 500 may be any suitable object for securing the bags 100. Dueto the adjustability of the bridge straps 102, the distance between thecoupled bags 100 may be changed. Thus, the bags 100 are adapted to fitany width W of the object 500. The object 500 may be any suitable objectthat a user may want to couple the bags 100 to including, but notlimited to, a transport device, a beam, bench, a chair, a table, agrill, a bar, a stool, a saw horse, an amp, a hand railing, pierrailing, a door, a tree, playground equipment, a fence, a post, a saddlerack, and the like. The transport device may be any object that may movefrom one location to another including, but not limited to a motorcycle,a bicycle, a unicycle, a personal watercraft, a jet ski, a snow mobile,an ATV, a tractor, a golf cart, a club car, a go-cart, a canoe, a kayak,an inter tube, a floatation device, a human, a horse, a pony, a donkey,a dog, a camel, an ox, an elephant, a portion of a car, a portion of aplane, a portion of a boat, a portion of a submarine, a dune buggy, anXUV, military vehicles, tanks, humvees, ambulances, fire trucks, ranchvehicles, riding mowers, construction equipment, forklifts, cranes,cherry pickers, a Segway®, and the like. When the bags 100 are coupledto the transport device, for example a motorcycle, the distance betweenthe bags 100 may be easily adjusted to allow the bags 100 to hang oneach side of the seat of the transport device. Thus, the bags 100 areeasily accessed by the user while traveling on the transport device.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of the bag 100 with an elongatedobject 600 secured in the side pocket 108. The side pocket 108 isconfigured to secure the elongated object 600 to the bag 100. In oneembodiment, the elongated object 600 is a fishing rod; however, itshould be appreciated that the elongated object 600 may be any suitableelongated object 600 including, but not limited to, an umbrella, atennis racket, a badminton racket, a squash racket, a racket ballracket, a baseball bat, a pistol, a gun, a beverage, a glass, a wineglass, a champagne flute, a beer stein, a bottle, a can, a thermos, aharpoon, a spear, a paddle, a level, a hammer, a drill, an axe, a flagpole, a golf club, rolled up drawings, a rolled up canvas, one or morepaint brushes, bar bells, bows and/or arrows, a flair gun, a flashlight,a flair, a torch, a fire extinguisher, small tackle boxes, and the like.Thus, the elongated object 600 may be placed in the side pocket 108 andtransported with the bag 100. Once at a desired location, for example afishing hole, the user may remove the elongated object 600 and use it atthe location as will be described in more detail below.

The side pocket 108, as shown, is stitched to the side 106; however, itshould be appreciated that any connection described herein may be usedto couple the side pocket 108 to the bag 100 may be used includingforming the side pocket 108 from the material of the side 106. The sidepocket 108 may have an opening 602 on a top end of the side pocket 108.The top opening 602 may be substantially as wide as the side 106 theside pocket 108 is coupled to, or be smaller than the side 106. Theopening 602 is configured to receive an end of the elongated object 600.As shown, the side pocket 108 further includes a bottom opening 604. Thebottom opening 604 is configured to allow a portion of the elongatedobject 600 to pass beyond the bottom of the side pocket 108. Forexample, the handle of the fishing rod may wholly or partially passthrough the bottom opening 604 while the reel remains in the side pocket108 and the rod is substantially above the side pocket 108. The size ofthe top opening 602 and the bottom opening 604 may be designed based onthe intended use of the side pocket 108. For example, for the fisherman,the bottom opening 604 may be sized to only allow the handle through theopening, and the top opening 602 may be adapted to allow the reel intothe side pocket 108. In one embodiment, the top opening 602 is largerthan the bottom opening 604.

The shape of the side pocket 108 may be any suitable shape for housingthe elongated object 600 at least partially within the side pocket 108.As shown in the Figures, the side pocket 108 is tapered. Thus, as theelongated object 600 moves from the top opening 602 toward the bottomopening 604 the interior of the side pocket 108 becomes smaller. Thetaper, as shown, is formed by stitching part of the side pocket 108 tothe side 106; however, it should be appreciated that any suitable methodfor tapering the side pocket 108 may be used. Although shown anddescribed as being a tapered side pocket 108 it should be appreciatedthat any shape of the pocket may be used depending on the use of theside pocket 108. For example, a side pocket 108 for a bottle may havesubstantially the same size the entire length of the side pocket and mayinclude a full or partial bottom to prevent the bottle from falling out.

There may be any number of side pockets 108 located on the bags 100.Further, there may be alternative versions of the side pocket 108located on the bag 100. For example, one side 106 may have a side pocket108 specifically sized for a fishing rod, and a second side 106 may havea side pocket 108 specifically sized to hold a beverage, and a front, orthird side 106 of the bag 100 may have a side pocket 108 specificallysized for a pistol. There may be any number and combination of sidepockets used on each of the bags 100.

In an additional, or alternative, embodiment, the side pocket 108 may beformed of an insulating material. In this embodiment, the side pocket108 would be specifically designed to hold a cold or hot beverage andminimize heat loss or gain of the beverage while the beverage is securedin the pocket. Thus, a user may place a cold soda bottle in the sidepocket 108 and maximize the time the soda stays cold while in the sidepocket 108.

In an additional and/or alternative embodiment, the side pocket 108, ora portion thereof may be detachable from the bag 100. In thisembodiment, one or both of the sides of the side pocket 108 may beremoved from the bag 100 and the elongated object placed in the sidepocket 108. The side pocket 108 may be reattached to the bag 100 therebysecuring the elongated object 600 to the bag 100. The side pocket 108may include any of the securing devices in order to engage and disengagethe side pocket 108 from the bag 100.

To help secure the elongated object 600 to the side pocket 108, the bag100 may include a pocket strap 606. The pocket strap 606, as shown, is amember that removeably couples to the engagement members 502 located oneach side of the top opening 602. Thus, after the elongated object 600is placed in the side pocket 108, the user may couple the pocket strap606 to each of the engagement members 502 and possibly the elongatedobject 600 in order to prevent the elongated object from falling out ofthe side pocket 108. In one embodiment, the pocket strap 606 is a cordhaving a hook on each end which is configured to couple to theengagement member 502. The cord may be adjustable in order to size thepocket strap 606 to meet the size of the elongated object 600. Thepocket strap 606 may be any suitable item configured to secure theelongated object 600 to the bag 100 including, but not limited to, thecord assembly 420, a canvas strap, a cord, a rope, a wire, a cord orstrap that engages a hook and loop connector and the like. Althoughdescribed as a pocket strap 606 it should be appreciated that anysuitable method of securing the elongated object 600 to the bag 100 maybe used. Further, the pocket strap 606 may be located anywhere on thebag 100 so long as the pocket strap 606 secures the elongated object 600to the bag 100 while the elongated object 600 is in the side pocket 108.

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of the bag 100 having one or morehandles 700. The handles 700 may secure to any suitable location on thebag 100. The handles 700 allow the user to easily grip the bag 100. Asshown in FIG. 7, there are two handles 700 coupled to one or moreengagement members 502 located proximate the top 104 of the bag 100. Inthis configuration, the bag 100 may be carried like a briefcase, orpurse, wherein the two handles 700 are located above the bag 100 and thebag 100 hangs below the handles 700 when carried. The handles 700 mayinclude a fastening device 702 suitable for securing the handle 700 tothe engagement members 502. The fastening device 702 is a hook in someembodiments; however, it should be appreciated that the fastening devicemay be any suitable device for securing the handle to the bag 100including, but not limited to, the engagement members, any component ofthe safety coupling assembly 400, the cord assembly 420, the securingdevices, and the like.

The fastening devices 702 allow the user to move the location thehandle(s) 700 couples to the bag 100. Therefore, the handle(s) 700 maybe completely removed from the bag 100, or relocated on the bag 100. Insome embodiments, the handles 700 may be removed from the engagementmembers 502 near the top 104 of the bag and relocated to one of thesides 106. FIG. 8 shows the handles 700 coupled to the back side of thebag 100. In this arrangement, the top side of the handles 700 may fastento one or more engagement members 502 or apertures on the bridge strap102. The bottom side of the handles 700 may fasten to engagement members502 located proximate the bottom 200 of the back side 106.Alternatively, the user may fasten bottom side of the handles 700 to theengagement members 502 proximate the side pocket 108. In thisarrangement, the user may place each of their arms through the holecreated between the handle 700 and the side 106. The user may then carrythe bag 100 on their back like a backpack with the handles 700 loopingaround the front of their body. In another embodiment, the user maycouple one or both of the handles 700 to an engagement member 502 on oneside 106, the top 104 or the terminal end 204 of bag 100. The user maythen grab a free end of the handle(s) 700 and pull the bag 100 behindthem. In this embodiment, the bag may be equipped with one or morewheels to allow the bag to move easily along the ground.

The handles 700 may be constructed of a canvas strap. The canvas strapmay couple to the fastening device by any suitable method. The canvasstrap may include a gripping member, not shown. The gripping member maybe an ergonomically designed handle or grip that is suited for the userto grab with their hand. For example, the gripping member may be paddingaround the canvas strap surrounded by an external handle material.Although the handle 700 is described as having a canvas strap and agripping member it should be appreciated that any suitable handlearrangement may be used including, but not limited to, a strap, a widestrap with a padded surface, a webbing, a nylon webbing, a polypropylenewebbing, a square handle, a hand shaped gripping member, a metal, aplastic, a suitcase type handle, and the like. The handle 700 mayfurther include an adjustable member, not shown, for adjusting thelength of the handle 700.

The user may further, couple two of the bags 100 together using thehandle(s) 700 and/or the engagement members 502. For example, the usermay couple two handles 700 to engagement members 502 located near thetop 104 of the bag 100. The user may then couple the other end of thetwo handles 700 to a similar location on another of the bags 100. Thus,the two handles 700 would span between the bags 100 at a location nearthe top 104 of the bag 100. In this arrangement, the user may place oneof the handles 700 on their left shoulder and one of the handles 700 ontheir right shoulder. The bags 100 would then hang on the front and backof the user.

Two bags 100 may be coupled side by side in some embodiments. Forexample, the engagement members 502 may be adapted to couple directly tothe engagement members 502 of another of the bags 100. Thus, the usermay couple two sides of the bags 100 together using the engagementmembers 502. For example, the user may couple the bags 100 together in amanner wherein the back sides 106 of the bags 100 are facing one anotherin close proximity. In this instance, the user may couple one or more ofthe handles 700 near the top 104 of one or both of the bags 100. Thisconfiguration allows the user to carry both bags 100 by the handles 700while the bags 100 act substantially like one big bag.

FIG. 9 depicts a top view of the bag 100 in an open position. In theopen position, as shown, the top 104, and/or the flap 116, is removedfrom the top of some, or all, of the sides 106. With the bag 100 in anopen position an interior 900 of the bag 100 is made accessible. Theinterior 900 of the bag 100 is configured to store one or more items902. Thus, the user may open the bag 100 and place the one or more items902 in the bag 100. The user may then close the bag 100 by securing thetop 104, and/or flap 116, back in the closed position on top of thesides 106. In the closed position, the items 902 are substantiallyprotected from the environment outside of the bag 100. Further, placingthe items 902 in the bag 100 allows the user to carry several more items902 than the user would be able to without the bag 100. The user mayaccess one or all of the items 902 by opening the top 104, and/or theflap 116.

An inside material of each of the top 104, the sides 106 and the bottom200 may be a backside of an exterior material of the top 104, the sides106 and the bottom 200 according to some embodiments.

In some embodiments, the inside material of the top 104, the sides 106and the bottom 200 is a separate piece of material which may be coupledto the exterior material of the top 104, the sides 106 and the bottom200. In this embodiment, the inside material and the outside materialmay be coupled together around the perimeter of the top 104, the sides106 and/or the bottom 200. Further, the inside material may be coupledto the exterior material at locations in the interior of the top 104,the sides 106 and/or the bottom 200. The exterior material and theinterior material may be coupled together using any suitable connectionincluding any connection described herein. The material used for theinterior material and the exterior material may be any suitable materialor combination of materials including, but not limited to a canvas, aleather, a plastic, a cloth, a linen, a vinyl, a nylon, durable wovennylon, denier nylon, a polywoven material, a neoprene, a wool, Kevlar®,a flexible plastic, PVC, a silk, a fiberglass, a Gore-Tex, and the like.Further, the exterior material may be a different material than theinterior material depending on the requirements of the bag 100. Furtherstill, each of the components of the bag 100 may have a differentmaterial scheme than another component. For example, the top 104 may useleather for the interior material and the exterior material while thesides 106 may use leather for the exterior material and a plastic forthe interior material. It should be appreciated that only some of thecomponents of the bag 100 may be constructed of separate interiormaterial and exterior material. For example, the sides 106 and thebottom 200 may be constructed of the interior material and the exteriormaterial and the top 104 may be a single piece of the material having afront and a back.

Constructing the top 104, the sides 106, and the bottom 200 with aninterior material and an exterior material allows a space between theinterior material and the exterior material to include a filler material1000, shown by hidden lines in FIG. 10. The filler material 1000 may beany suitable material based on the requirements of the bag 100. Forexample, the filler material 1000 may be designed to prevent damage tothe items 902, to prevent the user from being damaged by the items 902in the bag 100, and/or to substantially maintain the temperature of theitems 902. Thus, the filler material 1000 may include, but not belimited to, a padding, an insulation material, a foam, a Styrofoam®, afiberglass, a Kevlar®, a closed cell foam, a polyolefin foam, a radiantbarrier, a metal, plastic, a ceramic, quantum foam, polyurethane foam,open cell foam, bubble wrap, rubber, XPS foam, colloid, synthetic fiber,Nomex and the like. Further, the filler material 1000 may be anysuitable combination of materials.

In some embodiments, the interior 900, or a portion of the interior 900,of the bag 100 is configured to be an insulating container, and/or acooler. Thus, the interior 900 may be configured to substantiallymaintain the temperature of the items 902 in the bag 100. To this end,the filler material 1000 may be any combination of insulating materials.FIGS. 11A and 11B show the filler material 1000 as one or moreinsulating panels 1100. A cross-sectional view of the insulating panel1100 is shown in FIG. 11B. The insulating panels 1100 may be sized tofit inside each of the top 104, the sides 106, and the bottom 200, orany combination thereof. The insulating panel 1100 may be constructed ofan insulator 1102 and a radiant barrier 1104.

The insulating panels 1100 may include a profiled edge 1101 in someembodiments. The profiled edge 1101 may allow the insulating panels 1100to fit together in a manner that limits relative movement between thepanels. The profiled edge 1101 may take any suitable shape capable ofsecuring the insulating panels 1100 to one another.

The insulator 1102 may be configured to minimize thermal loss in the bag100. Thus, the insulator 1102 may substantially maintain the temperatureof the interior 900 of the bag 100. If the items 902 in the bag 100 arecold, the insulator 1102 may prevent the items 902 from increasing intemperature. If the items 902 in the bag 100 are hot, the insulator 1102may prevent the items 902 from decreasing in temperature. The insulator1102, as shown, is closed cell foam although it should be appreciatedthat the insulator 1102 may be any suitable insulator including, but notlimited to a foam, a Styrofoam, quantum foam, polyurethane foam, bubblewrap, rubber, XPS foam, colloid, space, and the like.

The closed cell foam may reduce heat transfer due to conduction;however, heat transfer by convection may not be prevented by the closedcell foam alone. Therefore, it may be advantageous to include theradiant barrier 1104 to further reduce the amount of exterior heat thatreaches the interior 900 of the bag 100. The radiant barrier 1104 may beconfigured to minimize heat entering the bag 100 from the exterior ofthe bag 100. Thus, the radiant barrier 1104 may be placed on the outwardfacing side of the panel 1000. Further, the radiant barrier 1104 may beplaced on the interior of the panel 1000, or on both sides of the panel1000 in some embodiments. The radiant barrier 1104 may be a foil whichincludes a nylon threading and attaches to a backing; however, it shouldbe appreciated that the radiant barrier may be any suitable material forreflecting, or dissipating heat entering the bag 100 including, but notlimited to a metal, a foil, a foil reinforced with threading, and thelike. The backing may be any suitable material including, but notlimited to, a single layer of bubbles, multiple layers of bubbles,plastic, cloth, leather, denim, any foam described herein, and the like.The foil may be included on both sides of the backing. FIG. 12 shows thebag 100 in the open position and having one or more interior pockets1200 and a hidden pocket 1202. As shown there is one interior pocket1200 affixed to the interior of one of the sides; however, it should beappreciated that there may be any number of interior pockets 1200coupled to the any, or all, of the sides 106. The interior pocket 1200may be configured to hold a beverage in some embodiments. In thisembodiment, the items 902 are beverages. The user may store thebeverages in the bag 100. The insulating panels 1100 may keep thebeverages cold while in the bag 100. The user may then open the bag 100and remove one of the beverages. The user may open the beverage anddrink a portion of the contents of the beverage. In many instances, forexample if the user is on a transport device, the user may have no placeon the transport device to place the beverage. The user may place thebeverage in the side pocket 108, if the user wishes to easily access thebeverage. If the user wishes to keep the beverage cold longer whiledrinking, the user may place the beverage in the interior pocket 1200.Although, described as using the interior pocket 1200 for a beverage itshould be appreciated that any item and/or elongated object may beplaced in the interior pocket 1200. The interior pocket 1200 may beconstructed in a similar manner as any of the side pocket(s) 108described herein.

The hidden pocket 1202, as shown, is located between the exteriormaterial and the interior material of the back side 106. It should beappreciated that the hidden pocket 1202 may be located on any of thesides 106, top 104 and/or bottom 200. The hidden pocket 1202 is shown assubstantially the same width of the back side 106; however, it should beappreciated that the hidden pocket 1202 may any suitable width. Thehidden pocket 1202 as shown has a depth D of about half of the height ofthe side 106; however, it should be appreciated that the hidden pocket1202 may extend any suitable depth D in the side 106. The hidden pocket1202 has an opening 1204 that allows a user to access the interior ofthe hidden pocket 1202. The opening 1204 may include an opening lip 1206that is formed of the interior material. The opening lip 1206 may bedesigned to look substantially similar to a lip 1208 of the sides 106without the hidden pocket 1202. An opposite side of the opening lip 1206may have a securing device. The securing device may be adapted to engagea mating securing device on the other side of the hidden pocket 1202from the opening lip 1206. In this embodiment, when the hidden pocket1202 is in the closed position the opening lip 1206 appears the same asthe other lips 1208. The securing device may be any securing devicedescribed herein. The liner of the hidden pocket may be any materialdescribed herein, and may be configured to be water proof. The securingdevice may form a water tight seal when the hidden pocket 1202 is in theclosed position. The hidden pocket 1202 may allow the user to storepersonal items in the hidden pocket 1202 without getting the personalitems wet and without the personal items being detected. The personalitems may be any suitable items described herein including, but notlimited to, a cell phone, a book, a note pad, tobacco products,lighters, a personal digital assistant, an MP3 player, keys, and thelike.

In an additional or alternative embodiment, the bag 100 may include aremovable hidden pocket, not shown. The removable hidden pocket may becoupled to the bag 100 between the hidden pocket 1202 and the exteriormaterial, or interior material in one embodiment. The removable hiddenpocket may be accessible from the interior of the hidden pocket 1202 andmay be secured to the hidden pocket 1202 by any manner described herein.The removable hidden pocket may be a see through material, such as clearplastic, that the user could place personal effects in. Further, theremovable hidden pocket may have any of the securing devices coupled tothe removable hidden pocket in order to couple the removable hiddenpocket to the object in order to easily access the personal items in theremovable hidden pocket.

The lips 1208 and/or the opening lip 1206 may include a seal, not shown.The seal may be configured to prevent moisture and/or fluids fromentering, or exiting, the bag 100 when the bag 100 is in the closedposition. The seal may be any suitable seal including, but not limitedto, a gasket, a rubber seal, a fiberglass seal, a gel and knife edgearrangement, a zip lock, waterproof zippers, magnets, and the like.

FIG. 13 shows a top view of the bag 100, described above, in an openposition and having a laptop computer 1300 located in the interior 900.In this embodiment, the bag 100 may have a divider 1302 configured toseparate and/or protect the laptop 1300 from any items in the interior900. The divider 1302 may be a removable divider or be permanentlyaffixed to the bag 100. Further, the divider 1302 may prevent moistureand/or fluid from entering the area where the laptop 1300 is stored. Inthis embodiment, the user may use the bags 100 as described herein anduse the bag 100 as the laptop 1300 briefcase. This allows a user to takethe laptop 1300 on business trip and use the bag 100 to store any of theitems described herein, including beverages and/or meals in the bag 100.

In an alternative embodiment, one or more of the divider(s) 1302 may bedesigned to compartmentalize the bag 100. Thus, the user may divide theinterior 900 of the bag 100 into any desired configuration. For example,the interior of the bag 100 may be specifically designed as a picnicbag, a tackle box, a camera bag, ammo bag, and the like.

In some embodiments the bag(s) 100 are used for fishing. The user mayget two of the bags 100. The user may open a first of the bags 100 andfill the interior with beverages, lunch, and/or ice for the fishingtrip. The user may open a second of the bags and fill the interior withfishing items. The fishing items may include, but are not limited to, atackle box, fishing lures, hooks, bait, ice, line, and the like. Theuser may then determine a width of a transport device the user wants todrive to the water. The user may choose to drive a motorcycle to thewater. The user then determines the width of a portion, for example theseat, of the motorcycle. The user may then determine a length of thejoined bridge straps 102 which corresponds to the width of the transportdevice. The user then fixes the bridge strap 102 on the first bag 100 tothe bridge strap 102 on the second bag 100 using the bridge strapconnector(s) 300. The bridge strap connector(s) 300 are strong enough tokeep the first bag 100 joined to the second bag 100 while the user ridesthe motorcycle. However, the user may, as a safety precaution, securethe bridge strap connection by using the safety coupling assembly 400.The user may secure the latching device 410 to the ring 402. The lengthof the cord 404 may then be adjusted using the clasp 406. The clasp 406may be moved to a position next to the aperture 412. The clasp 406 willprevent the cord from going completely through the aperture, therebysecuring the first bag 100 to the second bag 100. The bags 100 are nowsecurely attached to one another and have a width W between the bags 100that corresponds to the width W of the motorcycle seat.

The user may then place the coupled bridge straps 102 on top of the seatof the motorcycle. In this position, the first bag 100 hangs on a firstside of the motorcycle and the second bag 100 hangs on the second sideof the motorcycle. The user may then, as a safety precaution, couple thebags 100 to the motorcycle using one or more of the engagement members502 and the strap 504. One or more of the straps 504 may couple directlyto the engagement members 502 and the motorcycle, or the strap 504 maycouple to the engagement member 502 on the other bag 100. Further, thestrap hooks 510 may directly engage the motorcycle. The strap 504 may beshortened once affixed in order to tighten the connection between theengagement members 502 and the motorcycle and/or other bags 100engagement member 502.

The user may then place one or more elongated objects 600 in one or moreside pockets 108 of the bags 100. To this effect, the user may place afishing rod in each of the side pockets 108 of the first bag 100. Theuser may then place an umbrella and a beverage in the side pockets ofthe second bag 100. The user may then secure the fishing rods and/or theumbrella to the side pockets 108 using the side pocket straps 606. Theuser may couple one end of the side pocket straps 606 directly to thefishing rod and/or umbrella or may simply engage the pocket straps 606to the fishing rod and/or umbrella while securing the other end of thepocket straps 606 to the engagement member 502. The user may adjust thelength of the pocket straps 606, using any method described herein inorder to further secure the elongated object 600. The user may choosenot to secure the beverage in order to easily access the beverage.

The user may then sit on the motorcycle and drive to the water. Once atthe water, the user may uncouple the straps 504 from the motorcycleand/or the engagement members 502. The user may then remove the bags 100from the motorcycle. The user may then place the coupled bridge straps102 over one of the users shoulder. The narrower portion of the bridgestrap 102 allows the user to place the bridge straps 102 proximate theuser's neck. In this position, the bags 100 hang on the front and theback of the user. The user may then walk to a second transport devicefor the water. In one embodiment, the second transport device is apersonal watercraft. The user may then remove the bags 100 from theirshoulder. The user may then determine a width of a portion of thepersonal watercraft. The user may uncouple the bridge straps 102 fromone another in the opposite manner that they were coupled together. Theuser may then size the width of the bridge straps 102 to correspond withthe width of the personal watercraft. The user may then couple thebridge straps 102 together in a similar manner as described above. Thedistance between the bags 100 now corresponds with the width of thepersonal watercraft. The user may then place the coupled bridge straps102 on, or under, the seat of the personal watercraft. The bridge straps102 may go over the top of the seat of the personal watercraft while thestraps 504 go under the seat of the personal watercraft. Further, thebridge straps 102 may go under the seat. The bags 100 may secure to thepersonal watercraft in a similar manner as they secured to themotorcycle.

The user may then open one or more of the bags 100. With the bag(s) 100open, the user may open the hidden pocket 1200. The user may then placetheir personal items in the hidden pocket 1200. For example, the usermay place their cell phone, cigarettes and keys in the hidden pocket1200. The user may then close the hidden pocket 1200. The hidden pocket1200 may prevent the personal items from getting wet during the fishingtrip.

The user may then drive the personal watercraft to a location on thewater for fishing. The user may then stop the personal water craft. Theuser may then choose one or both of the fishing poles. The user thenuncouples the pocket strap 606 from the fishing pole in the oppositemanner that the pocket strap 606 was secured. The user may then easilyremove the fishing pole from the side pocket 108. The user may then openthe second bag 100 and remove any fishing items that may be used forfishing. For example, the user may remove a lure from the second bag 100and secure the lure to a hook of the fishing rod. The user may then fishusing the rod. The user may place any fish caught in the interior ofeither of the bags 100. The user may drink the beverages from the firstbag 100 during the fishing trip. The side pocket 108 allows the user toplace his beverage in the side pocket 108 while fishing on the personalwatercraft. The user may further remove the umbrella from the sidepocket 108 and open the umbrella. The user may then place the handle ofthe open umbrella back in the side pocket 108. The pocket strap 606 maythen be secured to the handle, if necessary, to prevent the handle frominadvertently falling out of the side pocket 108. The open umbrella mayshade the user from the sun during the fishing trip.

When the user has finished fishing, the user replaces the fishing rod(s)and/or umbrellas back in the sides pocket(s) 108. The user may securethe fishing rod(s) and/or umbrella using the pocket strap 606 asdescribed above. The user may then drive the personal watercraft back tothe motorcycle. The user may then remove the bags 100 from the personalwatercraft and place them on the motorcycle as described above. The usermay then return to their house and unload the bags 100 and the items inthe side pockets 108 and in the interior 900 of the bags 100.

Although the bags are described as being similar, it should beappreciated that each of the bags 100 may have different features. Forexample, the first bags 100 may include the insulated container in theinterior and the second bag may have an interior specifically designedfor another use, for example a tackle box, a laptop case, a book bag, apicnic bag, a lunch box, a camera bag, an ammo bag, and the like.

In an additional and/or alternative embodiment, the bag 100 may includeone or more speakers, not shown. The speakers may be secured or integralwith any of the sides 106, the top 104, and/or the bottom 200 of the bag100. The speakers may be wired to a jack adapted to plug into a musicdevice, for example an MP3 player, compact disc player, a phone, apersonal digital assistant, a satellite radio, a radio and the like. Thejack may be located in the hidden pocket 1200. Thus, the user may openthe hidden pocket 1200 plug the jack into the music device then closethe hidden pocket 1200. The user may then listen to music from thespeakers while the hidden pocket 1200 prevents the music device fromgetting wet.

In an additional and/or alternative embodiment, the bag 100 may includea method of preventing particles or bugs from getting in an openbeverage in the side pocket 108. To this end the side flap 118 may beextended away from the bag and a bottom side of the side flap 118 mayrest on top of the beverage in the side pocket 108. The side flap 118may act as a roof, or shield, preventing particles such as saw dust fromfalling into the beverage. Further, the bottom of the side flap mayfurther include a cap configured to secure over the top of the beverage.The cap may be sized for a bottle top and/or a can top. Their may beboth a cap for a bottle and a cap for a can located on the bottom of theside flap. Further, still there may be separate caps for a bottle and/ora can that are secured to the bag by a strap. These separate caps may beplace over the oven beverage top without moving the side flap 118.

In an additional and/or alternative embodiment, the bag 100 may be usedfor wade fishing. In this embodiment, the user may couple the handles700 near the top 104 of the bags 100. The user may then place his headbetween the handles 700 and allow each handle to rest on a shoulder.Thus, the first bag 100 may hang on the user's chest while the secondbag 100 may hang on the user's back. The first bag 100 may include asecuring device, for example Velcro®, on the exterior of the top 104.The securing device may be designed to engage a securing device locatedon the bottom of a tackle box. Thus, the user may walk to a fishinglocation then open the bag 100. The user may then remove the tackle boxfrom the bag 100 and secure it to the top 104 of the bag 100. The usermay then remove their fishing rod from the side pocket 108 and fishusing any of the lures and/or fishing tool in the tackle box. The sidepockets 108 further provide a place for the user's beverage whilefishing.

In an additional and/or alternative embodiment, the user may use the bagfor a work bag. For example, the user may be a craft person working at ajobsite. The first bag 100 may include the insulated container for theworkers lunch and drinks. The second bag may be configured to carry theworkers tools required for the job. The user may carry the bags 100 toand from the jobsite by any of the methods for carrying the bags 100described herein. Once at the jobsite, the worker may couple the bags100 to any items at the jobsite, for example a saw horse, a beam and thelike. The user may then have access to their tools, lunch and beveragesthroughout the day.

In an additional embodiment, a seat, not shown, maybe provided with thebags 100. The seat may be removeably coupled to the bridge straps 102,or be incorporated into the bridge straps 102. The securing devices maybe used to secure the seat to the bridge straps 102. In thisarrangement, if the bridge straps 102 are on the seat of a transportdevice, the user may sit on the seat rather than the bridge straps 102.

In an additional and/or alternative embodiment, the bag 100 may be usedas a floatation device. In this embodiment, the filler material may be abuoyant material including, but not limited to, closed cell foam, air,bubble wrap and the like. The buoyant material allows the bag to floatin water. Further, the bag 100 may normally not be a floatation device;however, the user may fill one or more air containers in the bag 100 ifneeded. Thus, if the user's personal watercraft sinks, the user mayremove the bag(s) 100 from the personal watercraft and use the bag(s)100 as a floatation device.

The bag 100 may include a weight attached to a strap on the bottom ofthe bag 100 in order to keep the bag 100 substantially upright whilefloating in the water. The strap may be any strap described herein andthe weight may be any item suitable for stabilizing the bag 100. In thisembodiment, the bag 100 may be used as a floating cooler having any ofthe features described herein.

The panels 1100 may be constructed of a resilient material. Theresilient material allows the panels 1100 to be deformed, and/orcompressed, by force and automatically regain the original shape of thepanel 1100 after the force has been removed. Thus, a user could sit onthe bag 100 thereby compressing one or more of the panels 1100 anddeforming the bag 100. After the user gets off of the bag 100, the bag100 will automatically return to its original form due to the resilientmaterial. The resilient material may be a polyolefin foam in someembodiments described herein; however it should be appreciated that anysuitable resilient material may be used including, but not limited to,any of the foams described herein.

The bridge straps 102 allow the bags 100 to be secured to any horse. Theadjustability of the bridge straps 102 allows the user to secure thebags to the width of a horse as large as Clydesdale and down to the sizeof a Shetland pony.

While the embodiments are described with reference to variousimplementations and exploitations, it will be understood that theseembodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the inventive subjectmatter is not limited to them. Many variations, modifications, additionsand improvements are possible.

Plural instances may be provided for components, operations orstructures described herein as a single instance. In general, structuresand functionality presented as separate components in the exemplaryconfigurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component.Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single componentmay be implemented as separate components. These and other variations,modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope ofthe inventive subject matter.

1. A bag comprising: a top; a bottom; a plurality of sides, wherein the sides are coupled to the bottom and at least one of the sides is coupled to the top thereby forming an interior of the bag; a flap formed of at least a portion of the top and configured to engage and disengage an opening on the top, wherein the flap can move between an open and closed position; a pocket coupled to at least one of the sides wherein the pocket has a first opening on a top end of the pocket and is configured to hold an elongated object; and a pocket strap configured to secure the elongated object in the pocket.
 2. The bag of claim 1, wherein the elongated object is a fishing rod.
 3. The bag of claim 1, wherein the pocket further comprises a second opening on a bottom end and wherein the first opening is larger than the second opening.
 4. The bag of claim 1, wherein the interior of the bag further comprises an insulated container configured to substantially maintain the temperature of one or more items placed in the bag and wherein the insulated container further comprises one or more panels, wherein the panels include a radiant barrier and an insulating material.
 5. The bag of claim 1, further comprising a bridge strap configured to couple the bag to a second object, wherein the second object is a second bag and wherein the second bag is identical to the bag of claim
 1. 6. The bag of claim 5, wherein the second bag further comprises a second bridge strap configure to couple to the bridge strap and wherein the second bridge strap couples to the bridge strap in an adjustable manner thereby allowing a user to vary the length between the second bag and the bag.
 7. The bag of claim 6, wherein the bridge strap and the second bridge strap are configured to couple the bags to an object.
 8. The bag of claim 7, wherein the object is a transport device is a personal watercraft.
 9. The bag of claim 1, further comprising one of more handles for carrying the bag and wherein the one or more handles connect to the bag at two or more connectors.
 10. A method for using a bag, comprising: determining a width of a transport device; coupling a first bridge strap of a first bag to a second bridge strap of a second bag, wherein a length of the coupled bridge straps is at least slightly larger than the width of the transport device; securing the coupled bridge straps to the transport device; placing an elongated object in a side pocket of at least one of the bags and wherein the elongated object is at least twice as long as the height of the bag; securing the elongated object to the bag; traveling to a location on the transport device; and using the elongated object for an activity at the location.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein using the elongated object further comprises fishing with a fishing rod.
 12. The method of claim 10, further comprising carrying one of the bags on the users back by placing the left arm through a left strap on the bag and placing the right arm through a right strap on the bag.
 13. A bag comprising: a bottom; a top; four sides wherein each side is coupled to the bottom and at least one of the sides is coupled to the top; an insulated container located within the four sides and the bottom, wherein the insulated container is configured to substantially maintain the temperature of one or more objects within the bag; and an interior pocket located between one of the side walls and a panel of the insulated container, and wherein when the interior pocket is in the closed position the interior pocket keeps items within the interior pocket substantially dry.
 14. The bag of claim 13, wherein at least one of the sides has an exterior pocket configured to secure an elongated object to the bag.
 15. The bag of claim 13, further comprising two straps configured to couple to the top of the bag and allow a user to hold the bag.
 16. The bag of claim 13, further comprising a bridge strap configured to couple the bag to a second bridge strap on a second bag.
 17. A bag, comprising: four sides; a top; a bottom; an insulated container in the interior of the bag configured to substantially maintain the temperature of items placed in the bag; two straps configured to couple to the bag near the top of the bag; and two or more connectors located on at least one of the sides, wherein the two or more connectors are configured to couple the two straps to the side of the bag and allow a user to carry the bag like a backpack.
 18. A method for carrying a fishing rod on a transport device, comprising: coupling a first bridge strap of a first bag to a second bridge strap of a second bag; inserting a fishing rod into a side pocket of one of the bags; securing the fishing rod in the pocket; securing the first and the second bag to the transport device; and driving the transport device to a fishing location.
 19. A method for securing two bags to a plurality of objects, comprising: determining a first width of a first object; coupling a bridge strap of a first bag to a second bag wherein a distance between the first bag and the second bag corresponds to the first width of the first object; securing a strap to the first object; uncoupling the bridge strap from the second bag; unsecuring the strap from the object; determining a second width of a second object, wherein the second width is larger than the first width; coupling the bridge strap of the first bag to the second bag wherein the distance between the first bag and the second bag corresponds to the second width of the second object; and securing the strap to the second object.
 20. A bag, comprising: a top; a bottom; four sides, wherein the sides are coupled to the bottom and at least one of the sides is coupled to the top thereby forming an interior of the bag; a flap formed of at least a portion of the top and configured to engage and disengage an opening on the top, wherein the flap can move between an open and a closed position an insulated container in the interior of the bag configured to substantially maintain the temperature of items placed in the bag, wherein the insulated container further comprises: an insulating panel located in the interior of each of the sides, wherein the insulating panel comprises an insulator and a radiant barrier; a pocket coupled to at least one of the sides wherein the pocket has a first opening on a top end of the pocket and a second smaller opening on the bottom end of the pocket and wherein the pocket is configured to hold an elongated object; a pocket strap configured to secure the elongated object in the pocket; and one or more handles configured to couple to one or more engagement members on the bag. 